Set up your printer

You can print from your Chromebook using most printers that connect to Wi-Fi or a wired network.

Tip: You can also use a USB cable to connect your printer to your Chromebook. When you use a cable, you'll see a notification. Follow any onscreen instructions. Your printer won’t need to be connected to Wi-Fi if it is directly connected to your Chromebook.

Tap here to see an interactive tutorial

Step 1: Connect to the internet

  1. Turn on your printer.
  2. Connect your printer to a network. If you need help, follow your printer manufacturer’s instructions.
  3. If you haven’t yet, turn on your Chromebook and sign in.
  4. Connect your Chromebook to the same network as your printer. Learn how to connect to Wi-Fi.

Step 2: Print a page

  1. To print the page, image or document you’re viewing, press Ctrl + p.
  2. Next to "Destination," select the Down arrow .
  3. Select See more...
  4. Choose your printer. Tip: Some printers will automatically show up on this list. If you don’t see your printer on the list, you can select Manage.
  5. Select Print.
 
Tap here to see an interactive tutorial

Add your printer to your Chromebook

  1. At the bottom right, select the time.
  2. Select Settings .
  3. At the bottom, select Advanced.
  4. Under "Printing," select Printers.
  5. Under "Available printers to save," next to your printer, select Save.
  6. Check that your printer appears at the top, under "Saved printers."

Advanced printer configuration

If your printer can't be saved automatically, you can use the advanced setup process.

  1. Next to the printer name, select Set up.
  2. In the box that appears, choose your printer manufacturer and model.
    • To find this info, look at the label on your printer.
  3. Select Add.
  4. Check that your printer appears at the top, under "Saved printers."

If your printer doesn't appear in the manufacturer or model drop-down menus, you can specify your printer PPD.

PostScript Printer Description (PPD)

Chromebooks use PPD files to support printers. PPD files are different from printer drivers and tell your Chromebook how to support a specific printer model.

  1. In the box that appears next to “Or specify your printer PPD,” select Browse.
  2. Choose your printer PPD, then select Open.
Important: Chromebooks support .ppd or .gzip file formats with a file size up to 250 KB.

Add a printer manually

If your printer doesn’t appear under "Available printers to save," you can also add your printer manually.

Important: If you're using a Chromebook at work or school, and you're not able to add a new printer, contact your administrator.

  1. At the bottom right, select the time.
  2. Select Settings .
  3. At the bottom, select Advanced.
  4. Under "Printing," select Printers.
  5. Next to "Add printer," select Add printer .
  6. Enter your printer information:
    • Name: Enter any name.
    • Address: Enter your printer’s IP address.
    • Protocol: For most printers, the supported connection protocol is IPP.
    • Queue: For most printers, the queue is ipp/print.
  7. Select Add.

If your printer can't be set up automatically, you can continue to follow the on-screen steps for advanced printer configuration with PPD files.